Why Hire Us

“He helps to make the journey a little better.”

I hired Mr Laterra to represent me when I was going through my divorce. During this very difficult time, he provided me with the knowledge, compassion and expertise that resulted in a fair and uneventful court settlement. He was able to keep me focused on the final outcome, even while the emotional toll of this ugly process was becoming too much to bear. Mr Laterrra has always been very professional and personable in his client relations. I never hesitate to call him and ask for his guidance. I trust him and the advice he gives me, even if it is not what I had originally wanted to hear. Also, as a client of his, I never felt like a "number" but as valued person. I cannot express the immeasurable value of this, especially when you are going through a major life crisis. I would absolutely recommend Mr Laterra's services for both the professionalism and compassion he displays in dealing with divorce proceedings. He helps to make the journey a little better.

- Donna F.

“Worked out even better than I could have anticipated”

A positive recommendation for Laterra & Hodge is the very least I can do in appreciation of what they have done for me. From the time that I came into the office for an "Free Consultation" Scott Laterra not only made ME - a single-mom/custodial parent in a uphill battle to get a fair chance in the NJ Family Court of Law - feel comfortable during an extremely stressful and taxing time. Unlike many other attorneys I could have selected who would've been content with money, Scott in turn selected me based on my character and desire to do the right thing. This shared value took us all the way to a successful outcome that worked out even better than I could have anticipated. I will be forever grateful for Scott's direction, compassion and dedication to see this process through. At the end of it all - it was all worth it! A special Thanks to you Scott...and Your special Tie :-)

- Jessica A.

“I trust him, and no one completes this process without trust issues.”

I entered the divorce process as a neophyte, and Mr Laterra was a partner in a larger, more established matrimonial specialty firm at the time. We were against a very 'bad one' (so described years later by a retired lawyer working in the matrimonial specialty that I met). He consistantly tried to keep the dialogue professional and keep communication clear and open. This (I later discovered) is vital to survivng the post settlement life, ever after. He was completely capable of countering all the unethical chalanges we faced with the ----, but didn't need to climb in the mud to do so. He is also consistantly honest in presenting your options, and expected outcomes. Recently he met with my best friend who had disoveries post settlement, and bluntly informed him that all he would get now from investing time, energy, and lots of money would be the mild annoyance of his former wife. So my friend decided her could do that himself for free. That's ethics. If you need to at times feel the need to go down and dirty, he won't stop you, but he will guide into doing the least damage to yourself, your kids, and the case-both long and short term. He will function as your partner in this difficult time, and be there for any fine tuning if required after (but not set it up to assure he will collect a pension from you). He is also, unfortunatly for him, self experienced. I trust him, and no one completes this process without trust issues.

- Tony W.

“They treated a difficult, emotional situation with utmost professionalism respect and compassion”

From the beginning, Scott displayed his complete knowledge of the law and expertise. He is very attentive, good listener; always explain difficult legal issues with patience and insight on how it would impact my case. Majority of lawyers take advantage of the vulnerable situation and will take more unnecessary action to charge more money for the service, you will not see this at Laterra&Hodge. Scott is very ethical in his approach, does not resort to overblown hyperbole, but presents strong, logical arguments that are well received by the courts. Laterra&Hodge has a great team of attorneys including Scott, Jeff, and Sunita as well paralegal Valentina, the most professional person I have ever worked with returned every call or email same day. They treated a difficult, emotional situation with utmost professionalism respect and compassion. I certainly would give them my recommendation.

- Artur M.

“His firm gave me a sense of stability in the midst of chaos”

Provided a strong, comforting presence at a very stressful and upsetting time in my life. His firm gave me a sense of stability in the midst of chaos by reaffirming my beliefs in what is right in raising a child and what is important in recovery from divorce.

- Laura R.

“The representation I received from Mr Hodge was second to none.”

About a year ago I went through a divorce. As anyone who has ever went through a divorce, they can be very difficult especially when children are involved. I have to say that the legal work and the representation I received from Mr Hodge was second to none. I highly recommend using Jeff, I hired a lawyer and gained a life long friend.

- Joe K.

“I felt he was very honest and had my best interest as the number one priority.”

Scott proved to be an outstanding attorney. He was extremely supportive and accommodating throughout the entire process. He was easy to talk to and was very understanding. It was not difficult at all to get in touch with him and he returned phone calls in a very reasonable amount of time. I felt he was very honest and had my best interest as the number one priority. He clearly defined all of my options without pushing me in a direction that suited him or his practice. His knowledge of matrimonial law really impressed me. I would absolutely recommend Scott to anyone in need of a lawyer who is going through a divorce.

- Mike K.

“Scott gave me trustworthy advise and comfort during a nerve racking situation.”

Scott was very helpful and honest when consulting with me. While some lawyers may take advantage and prey on a client during a vulnerable time, Scott gave me trustworthy advise and comfort during a nerve racking situation. Very professional and reliable from what I've experienced so far.

- Luis C.